Anderson: Zoning to limit medical marijuana garden sizes, locations

While allowing for cultivation only under certain guidelines, Anderson residents with a verified doctor's recommendation will no longer be allowed to grow medical marijuana inside a residence or outdoors, should the city council approve what commissioners passed in a 3-2 vote.

Commissioners Susie Baugh and Ron Barnett dissented. Each said they preferred a wholesale ban on cultivation.

The Anderson City Council will hear the proposed ordinance March 16.

At least 12 speakers voiced opinions during the meeting that lasted more than two hours.

Proponents of medical marijuana left the meeting early and spoke of filing an injunction against individual members of the planning commission who voted in favor of the ordinance.

"They're breaking state law," said Hillary Criner of Redding who operates the Family Tree Cooperative.

Commissioners are "violating Proposition 215 for safe and affordable access ... (b)y forcing (cultivation of medical marijuana) indoors," Criner said.

Restrictions and limitations on the cultivation of medical marijuana are necessary in the interests of "public health, safety and welfare," Anderson Planning Director John Stokes said in a previous interview with the Valley Post.

Among the many limitations, the commissioners approved that cultivation should be limited to 120 square feet inside a lockable out-building or greenhouse equipped with a working security system licenseable by the city of Anderson.

If grown in a green house, then a six-foot-high fence with a lockable gate must surround the structure.

Additionally, growers must register with the city and pay a $100 code enforcement fee.

Gina Munday, owner of the Green Heart collective in Anderson, estimates the requirements at nearly $15,000 per patient.

"It's creating an extreme hardship on citizens wanting to grow at home," she said.

Additionally, the commission unanimously approved extending the city's moratorium on dispensaries.